What to do and see in Izmir Province, Turkish Aegean Coast: The Best Historic Sites

May 14, 2022 Jacquiline Darosa

Discover the best top things to do in Izmir Province, Turkey including Usakizade Kosku, Public Latrine, Pergamon Theatre, Birgi Cakiraga Mansion, Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House), Saint Polycarp Church, Beth Israel Synagogue, AbacIoglu Han, Ancient City of Ephesus, Sazak - Eski Rum Koyu.
Restaurants in Izmir Province

1. Usakizade Kosku

Cankaya Mahallesi Mithatpasa Caddesi No:687 Konak, Izmir 35280 Turkey +90 232 244 05 00 http://www.usakizadekosku.com/Sayfalar/
Excellent
88%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 16 reviews

Usakizade Kosku

2. Public Latrine

Just off Curetes St., Selcuk Turkey http://www.ephesus.us/ephesus/latrines.htm
Excellent
53%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 643 reviews

Public Latrine

Reviewed By Q3934IKkarenk

The toilets were part of the Scholastica Baths and built in the 1st century AD. They were public toilets of the city and there was an entrance fee to use them. In the center, there is an uncovered pool and the toilets are aligned along the walls. The columns surrounding the pool supported a wooden ceiling. There was a drainage system under the toilets--thank goodness. About 10 years ago, when we saw the city for the 1st time, you could have your picture taken sitting on one of the toilet seats. In September 2019, the seats are blocked off by a rope. So sad! The pictures were quite funny.

3. Pergamon Theatre

Kurtulus Mah. Akrapol Yolu No:2 Bergama Merkez, Bergama, Bergama Turkey +90 232 631 07 78
Excellent
74%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 182 reviews

Pergamon Theatre

Reviewed By anavaquer - Eugene, United States

Steepest theater I have ever seen at any archaeological site. I only wish the tour I was on would have allowed me more time to explore. This is a must see.

4. Birgi Cakiraga Mansion

Kurtgazi Mah. Sehit Gurol Madan Cad. No:36 Birgi, Odemis, Izmir Turkey +90 232 531 52 05 http://www.birgi.org/birgi-cakiraga-konagi-2
Excellent
62%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 131 reviews

Birgi Cakiraga Mansion

5. Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House)

Selcuk 35100 Turkey +90 232 894 10 12 [email protected] http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN,39846/house-of-virgin-mary.html
Excellent
53%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 2,791 reviews

Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House)

Several years after the death of Christ, St. John brought the Virgin Mother to this house located on the slopes of Bülbül Mountain. It is believed the Virgin Mary lived in this house until she died at the age of 64.

Reviewed By 607jayb - Fairhope, United States

As some have said, this holy place where Mary the mother of Jesus Christ lived and died is a "must see" for those of the Catholic faith. I must say as a non-Catholic (Protestant) Christian, I was very moved by this visit for several reasons. First, the house is very small and simple, which one would expect from what we know of Mary. Second, the holy water springs and prayer notes wall add another simple, yet strong tone of validity and holiness to the place. And finally, we were treated to a brief Catholic mass in the small chapel at the rear of the property. It was amazing! The priest gave a wonderful, hard hitting sermon though it was only a few minutes long. For ALL believers in the Son of God, I highly recommend a visit. NOTE: The crowds can be overwhelming so be prepared to queue and wait for a bit to enter the house. NOTE: They have a snack bar and souvenir shop for your convenience. Enjoy!

6. Saint Polycarp Church

Pasaport Iskelesi 75B Akdeniz Mahallesi, Izmir 35210 Turkey
Excellent
56%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 87 reviews

Saint Polycarp Church

This 19th-century church is lavishly decorated and is the oldest in the city. It was named after St. Polycarp, the first bishop of Smyrna who was burned at the stake.

Reviewed By shanepen_ - London, United Kingdom

Someone I met on the plane had told me that I should not leave İzmir without stopping here.It has a fascinating architecture. If you have time you should stop there!

7. Beth Israel Synagogue

Mithat Pasa Cad. No:265 Konak Merkez, Konak, Izmir Turkey +90 232 425 16 28
Excellent
31%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
13%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 16 reviews

Beth Israel Synagogue

8. AbacIoglu Han

Anafartalar Cad. No:226, Izmir 35190 Turkey
Excellent
29%
Good
57%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
14%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 7 reviews

AbacIoglu Han

9. Ancient City of Ephesus

Selcuk 35920 Turkey

Reviewed By Seaside641657

We recently had an amazing tour of the ancient city from Izmir. We had 29 hours in Turkey and thanks to Chris No Frills Ephesus Tours, we were able to have an amazing day touring the Ancient City. Mehmet picked us up in Izmir and we went straight to Selcuk to meet Chris and also to pick up our guide Yesra. We began at the Temple of Artemis and then on to Ephesus. We had plenty of time to see the ancient city including the Odeon, the Street of Curates, the Temple of Hadrian, Gate of Hercules, the amazing Terrace Houses with their incredible mosaics, the lovely Celsus Library, onto the Agora, wonderful Amphitheater and gymnasium. It is an amazing site to explore. Having a private guide made it very enjoyable and not so overwhelming. After leaving the ancient city we continued to the House of Mary then stopped for a great local lunch in Selcuk. Locals were all extremely welcoming and lunch was amazing. Continued to the Archeological Museum and then to the Basilica of St John and great view of the castle. Retuned to Izmir to catch early morning flight. Thanks to Chris and her tour company our trip to Ephesus was a holiday highlight. Don't miss her services nor the ancient city. Best day possible! Thanks to all.

10. Sazak - Eski Rum Koyu

Karaburun Turkey
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

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